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Blues at The Cove – Blackburn Brothers
May 9 @ 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
$95
The continuously popular Blues at The Cove series returns to The Cove Inn with a return performance of their trademark, high-powered “Soul funk ‘n blues” before they head out on their European tour by the Blackburn Brothers from Toronto! Enjoy a Blues at The Cove Series show with delicious dinner, world class music and support for local charity from 7-11pm on Saturday, May 9th, 2026!
For 17 incredible years of music, laughter, community and overall great times, Blues on the Rideau was one of the longest running Blues music series in Canada! Thanks to the team of James Doran and his wife Diane Leduc-Doran and their Choose the Blues Productions, thousands of ecstatic Blues and live music fans have flocked to The Cove Inn to enjoy evenings of all-out dancing to Canada’s greatest JUNO and Maple Blues Award winning Blues acts. We thank them for all of those years of partnership!
We continue to produce shows featuring greatest in Blues artists as we transition to Blues at The Cove, highlighting some of the best of the series of the years!
Imagine a warm, intimate venue setting in a historic waterside inn on the Rideau Canal featuring a tasty buffet dinner and a donation to a local charity and you have Blues at The Cove! Join us for the new season!
Call us 613.273.3636 or email thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com for reservations!
20th Season of Live Blues at The Cove Inn!
Dinner, Show + Charity $95 +HST
Includes delicious full course buffet style dinner with served dessert, amazing door prizes from sponsors, dancing and a donation to local charity.
Doors 6pm
Dinner 7pm
Show Sets 8:30-9:30pm + 10-11pm
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Call 613-273-3636 or email thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com
BOOK EARLY! – ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANT TO STAY OVERNIGHT
(Well priced accommodation at The Cove, nearby B&B, AirBnb and Westport Station Motel)
MOST SHOWS SELL OUT WELL AHEAD OF SHOW DATES. The earlier you reserve the better the choice of seating location.
We look forward to seeing everyone again soon for another GREAT season Blues at The Cove
Co-Sponsored by:
Black Dog Inn, Westport www.whatsonwestport.ca/profile/the-black-dog-inn/
Gristmill Place, Westport www.thegristmillplace.com
Upper Rideau B&B, Westport www.urbb.ca
The Victorian Luxury Suites, Westport www.thevictoriansuites.com
Lake + Main Skin Health, Westport www.lakeandmain.ca
Pinecone Westport, Westport www.instagram.com/pineconewestport
Burns Jewellers, Perth www.burnsjewellers.com
Amethyst Holistic Spa, Perth www.amethystholisticspa.com
Top Shelf Distillers, Perth www.topshelfdistillers.com
Perth Brewery, Perth www.perthbrewery.ca
Kingston Sound Works, Kingston www.kingstonsoundworks.com
To keep up to date on everything at the Cove, including Blues at The Cove, please join our Mailing List www.coveinn.com/mailinglist. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you again soon and keeping in touch!
Blackburn Brothers (Toronto)
www.blackburnbrothersmusic.com
BLACKBURN BROTHERS
The story of Blackburn Brothers is one of music, history, and deep familial roots. A band of brothers in the truest sense, their sound is forged in heritage, passion, and purpose, carrying the legacy of generations before them. Led by Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals, songwriting), and Cory(drums, harmony vocals), the band also features their eldest brother Robert (guitar, vocal harmonies, songwriting) and cousin Nathan (bass guitar) on recent studio recordings. Their longtime horn section includes Neil Brathwaite (tenor saxophone) and Ted Peters (trombone), with Andrew Stewart as their touring bassist.
The brothers carry a musical lineage, tracing back to their father, Bobby Dean Blackburn, an R&B legend whose influence on the Toronto music scene has spanned over six decades. Their music is not just about sound—it’s about storytelling, heritage, and the spirit of the blues.
Beyond the music, other history runs deep. The Blackburn Brothers are 4th-generation Canadians, descended of freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad and settling in Southern Ontario. The Blues that the Blackburn Brothers create is part of their inheritance, and always about a message of history, freedom, legacy, family, Black unity, and love.
The Blackburn Brothers have shared the stage with some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Mavis Staples, Dr. John and The Nite Trippers, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Cedric Burnside. They have also performed alongside top Canadian musicians such as Sarah McLachlan, Colin James, and The Bros. Landreth. Their ability to seamlessly blend blues, soul, and funk has made them a standout at major blues, jazz, and folk festivals across North America and Central America.
SoulFunkn’BLUES (Sept 2023) has received international acclaim, marking a milestone for Canadian blues.
- 2024 Won the Blues Blast Award for Soul Blues Album
- 2024 Earned a JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year
- 2024 Received three American Blues Music Awards nominations—the first Canadian band to do so—including Album of the Year, Soul Blues Album of the Year, and Song of the Year
- 2024 Achieved a record-setting nine nominations at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Electric Act of the Year
Their dedication to excellence has also earned them numerous Maple Blues Award nominations over the years, including:
- Electronic Act of the Year (2024, 2022)
- Drummer of the Year – Cory Blackburn (2024, 2022, 2020)
- Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year – Duane Blackburn (2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015)
- Guitarist of the Year – Brooke Blackburn (2024)
- Male Vocalist of the Year – Brooke Blackburn (2024)
- Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Recording of the Year, Producer of the Year (2024)
In addition to these recent accolades, the band was inducted into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame (2023), recognizing their contributions to Canadian blues and their role in amplifying Black artists’ voices in the music industry. Their impact has been further recognized through strong local support, including significant airplay on CBC Radioand JAZZ.FM91 naming SoulFunkn’BLUES its 2023 Album of the Year.
With a history rooted in resilience and a sound that bridges the past and future, the Blackburn Brothers continue to redefine Canadian blues and honour their heritage. Their music is more than a performance—it’s a legacy, and a tribute to the power of storytelling through sound. As they continue their journey, they remain committed to celebrating history, uniting communities, and keeping the soul of the blues alive for generations to come.
“A band of brothers with legendary roots who deliver some ferociously powerful blues and funk.” Big City
Blackburn Brothers
YouTube: https://youtu.be/k-DPVMAzxKM?si=JYHnErdXgF5XKKGN
Charitable proceeds from this show go to support Westport Lions Club Beach
